ISLAMABAD:
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had urged the nation to forge unity as the country grappled with the menace of terrorism and extremism, stressing the need for supporting one another and contributing to Pakistan’s progress and prosperity.
The top leadership of the country congratulated the nation on the auspicious occasion of Eidul Fitr being observed across the country on Monday (today), and urged the masses to continue the virtues of piety, patience and sacrifice learnt during Ramazan in their daily lives.
On the auspicious occasion of Eidul Fitr, I extend my heartfelt greetings to the entire Pakistani nation,” Shehbaz said in his Eid message. “This day teaches us joy, gratitude, brotherhood and compassion,” he added.
“We should continue the lesson of piety, patience and sacrifice that we received during the holy month of Ramazan in our lives and adhere to Islamic principles. “May Almighty Allah make it a part of our lives,” he added.
The prime minister warned that the country faced threats from internal and external enemies, as it waged the war against terrorists. He expressed solidarity with the families of the martyrs. He also prayed for the highest ranks of the martyrs of the Jaffar Express tragedy.
“Today, Pakistan is facing threats from internal and external enemies. So, we must avoid all kinds of extremism, hatred and sectarianism and unite for the integrity and stability of the country. We must not let any conspiracy succeed,” the prime minister stated.
“Pakistan is going through a war against terrorists and our Army officers and soldiers are sacrificing their lives to restore peace and order in this country. Today, we pray for the highest ranks of all those martyrs and express solidarity with their families,” he added.
“Today we also pray for the martyrs of the Jaffar Express tragedy, may Allah raise their ranks. We share the grief of their survivors. We should also remember our oppressed brothers who are victims of oppression and barbarity,” he stressed.
Shehbaz reminded the nation that strengthening the economy, society and national unity was the common responsibility of all, adding that the government was making strenuous efforts for the economic revival of the country, establishment of peace and social stability.
“We should unite and lead our country on the path of development and prosperity,” Prime Minister Shehbaz urged the nation. “I appeal to the nation to share the joys of Eid with their weak and needy brothers, relatives and neighbours and play a role in creating a welfare society.”
On the occasion, Shehbaz reaffirmed Pakistan’s solidarity with the oppressed people of Palestine and the Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). He appealed to the international community to stop human rights violations and provide relief to the innocent Muslims.
Separately, President Zardari extended heartfelt felicitation to the entire nation and the Muslim world, urging the nation to remember those who were facing economic hardships as true happiness lay in sharing joys with others.
“We should actively fulfil our obligations of Zakat, charity, and Fitrana so that no needy person is deprived of the happiness of Eid,” the president said in his Eid message. “We must promote brotherhood among ourselves so that our country emerges as a strong and prosperous nation.”
The president stated that Eid came after the blessings, worship, and journey of piety during the holy month of Ramazan, adding that Eidul Fitr was a gift from Almighty Allah, “granted to us as a reward for fasting”.
During Ramazan, the president said, the faithful strove to attain closeness to Allah, refine their characters, and excel in deeds of goodness. “This sacred month teaches us patience, endurance, worship, and compassion for the poor,” Zardari stated.
“Now, it is our responsibility to follow these lessons in our daily lives that were learnt during Ramazan and to uphold the virtues of sincerity, honesty, and love in our practical lives,” the president added.
He observed that the Eid day also taught them the lesson of unity and solidarity among their ranks and stressed that the masses should strengthen these bonds, support one another and contribute to Pakistan’s progress and prosperity.
On the occasion, the president also prayed for the people of IIOJK to get freedom and the opportunity to celebrate Eid in peace. The president prayed to Almighty Allah to accept their fasts and worship and guide Pakistan on the path of peace and prosperity.
